Your Pet’s Summer Survival Guide: Fireworks, Hot Pavement, and How to Stay Chill

Summer is here, which means more time outside, more long walks, and more opportunities for your pet to wonder, “Why are humans like this?” Between the heat waves and the fireworks, summer can be a rough season for our furry friends. The good news? A little planning goes a long way in keeping them safe, cool, and unbothered.

Let’s break it down.

Fireworks: Pretty for You, Panic-Inducing for Them

Fireworks are loud, sudden, and completely disorienting for animals. Dogs and cats don’t understand what’s happening — they just know it’s loud, unpredictable, and possibly a threat. Around the Fourth of July, shelters often see a spike in lost pets who’ve bolted in fear.

How to help:

• Set up a safe space. Choose a quiet room where your pet can retreat when fireworks start. Add their bed, favorite toys, and some background noise (like a fan or calming music).

• Double-check their ID. If your pet does panic and escape, a current ID tag and registered microchip can make all the difference.

• Ask about calming options. Some pets benefit from supplements or short-term anxiety medications during firework-heavy weekends. We can help you figure out what’s appropriate.

Think your pet might need extra support this year?

Vetr members can schedule a quick telehealth visit to talk through options from behavior tips to personalized calming solutions.

👉 Book your telehealth appointment

Heat Safety: 5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Comfortable in High Temps

Dogs, cats, and other furry friends don’t handle heat the same way we do. Since they can't sweat efficiently, they’re more susceptible to overheating, dehydration, and paw pad burns.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Avoid midday walks. The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Aim for early morning or evening walks when it’s cooler.

2. Test the pavement. Press the back of your hand to the ground for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

3. Keep water handy. Bring fresh water and a bowl on walks, car rides, and park days. Offer small, frequent sips — especially during or after activity.

4. Never leave pets in parked cars. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can climb dangerously high in just minutes.

5. Know the signs of heatstroke. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, or unsteady movement. These are all red flags. If you see any of them, bring your pet indoors, offer water, and call a vet right away.

Flat face dogs (such as bulldogs and pugs) are more prone to overheating due to decreased airflow through their nose and mouth.

Bonus Tip: Know if your pet is higher risk

Some pets are more vulnerable to heat-related issues than others. Flat-faced breeds like bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and Persian cats have a harder time cooling themselves because of restricted airflow through the nose and mouth. Older pets, overweight animals, and those with underlying health conditions are also more prone to overheating.

If your pet falls into one of these categories, take extra precautions: limit time outside, keep indoor spaces cool, and don’t wait to act if something feels off. When in doubt, reach out to your vet.

Got an Indoor/Outdoor Cat? Read This:

Cats that spend time outdoors can face many of the same summer risks as dogs — and they’re often more subtle in how they show stress or discomfort.

Here’s how to help them stay safe:

• Keep them indoors during fireworks or heat waves. They may not love it, but it’s safer in the long run.

• Give them a quiet retreat. Like dogs, cats benefit from having a calm, dark place to hide when it gets noisy or overwhelming.

• Watch for signs of overheating. Lethargy, panting, excessive grooming, or hiding more than usual may be their way of saying, “I’m too hot.”

Summer Can Be Sweet with a Little Planning

Whether it’s prepping for fireworks, adjusting your walk schedule, or keeping the water bowl full, small changes can make a big difference. Your pet might not understand why the world gets louder and hotter in July, but with your help, they won’t have to worry about it.

Need help getting a plan in place?

Whether it’s prepping for fireworks, managing the heat, or just having someone to talk things through, we’re here for you.

Call us at 616-209-9061, email info@vetrhealth.com, or schedule a telehealth visit with our care team.